April 23, 2023 - Misericordias Domini Sermon

Misericordias Domini
Introit: Ps. 33:1, 18-20; antiphon: Ps. 33:5b, 6a
Old Testament: Ezek. 34:11-16
Psalm 23 (antiphon: v. 6)
Epistle: 1 Peter 2:21-25
ProperVerse: Luke 24:35b, John 10:14
Gospel: John 10:11-16

The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep
Our Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16). He is not like the hireling, who cares nothing for the sheep and only for himself, who flees when he sees the wolf coming. Rather, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks out His scattered sheep to deliver them (Ezek. 34:11-16). He gathers them and feeds them in rich pasture. He binds up the broken and strengthens the sick. He lays down His life for wandering and wayward sheep. On the cross, Christ bore in His body the attacks of the predators of sin and death and the devil for you that you might be saved. He now lives to restore your soul in the still waters of baptism, to lead you in the paths of righteousness by the voice of His Gospel, to prepare the table of His holy supper before you, that you may dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23). "For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25).